One of the best features of InDesign is its object-oriented interface. This means that text and pictures are not wedded to the exact position you place them in—they can be moved around the entire page, even completely off the printed page, without disturbing other elements around it.

Guidelines help to align elements exactly to the ruler mark you desire. To use them, click within the rulers to the top or left of the page (note: If the rulers are not visible, go to View > Show Rulers.) When you click and drag elements near a guideline, it will automatically snap to it. When the lines of the element against the guidelines turn red, you will know it is aligned correctly.

It's a good idea to draw out guidelines before placing anything into your document. It will save time and help constrain your elements to the template you designed from the start.

Now that the basics of InDesign have been presented, we can begin to create a document.